Summerfield wins Westland Rally

Matt Summerfield and Jared Hudson have won the opening round of the Mainland Rally Series, the Stadium Finance 2018 Westland Rally. The Canterbury pair were able to hold off three-time winner Darren Galbraith and Rocky Hudson by just 4.5 seconds. Third home was veteran campaigner Jeff Judd and co-driver Sarah Brennan.

“Well there’s nothing like a stressful end to an event to make you appreciate the win,” commented Summerfield. “We lost time in the final touring stage due to over heating issues but made it back just in time! It’s been an awesome day out on some fantastic roads. A big thanks to my team for backing me all the way, my sponsors for their continual support and belief and of course young Jared Hudson for riding along with me. I think he must be the youngest person ever to win a rally.”

Held in warn dry conditions in hard and fast roads, it proved to be a very close battle all day with only seconds separating the top two until Summerfield pulled a margin late in the day. Judd won the opening stage while Summerfield took five stage wins, and fourth place Brad Harris winning three stages. Galbraith was not able to win a stage but was always in the top five times.

Fifth home was Josh Marston followed by David and Emma Quantock.

Some of the best battles took place in the 2wd classes with the RX8 of Marcus Van Klink coming home first. Along with local Graham Ferguson and Regan Ross, the three enjoyed swapping position over the nine stages with Ferguson betting Ross by just 11 seconds to win the classic section.

Forty-eight cars finished the event that had 12 retirements including Greg Murphy who suffered from a computer glitch.